Improvement in combined drawing-tables and desks



l2 Sheets--Sheet I.

A. WILKINS. Combined Drarwing'Tables and Desks. No. 145,378.v

Patented Dec. 9,1873.

. 2Sheets--Shet2,. l. A. WILKINS. l Combined Drawing Tables and Desks.

N0. 145,378, Patented Dec. 9,1873.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN A. WILKEN S, OF INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA.

IMPROVEMENT IN COMBINED DRAWING-TABLES AND DESKS.

` Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 145,378, dated D -eeluber 9, 1373; application tiled January 22,1873.

To all lwhom it may concern Be it known that I, JOHN A. VILKENs, of Indianapolis, in the countyof Marion and State ot' Indiana, have'invented a new and useful Improvement in Table-Desks, of which the following is a specification:

My invent-ion relates to that class of drawing-tables from which a desk may be elevated above and depressed beneath the top and my said invention consists in mounting the interior desk upon rubber straps or cords, the opposite end's of which are secured to the lower portions of the desk and the desk-casing, and derive their spring power to elevate the desk by being expanded when the desk is closed, and held in such position by the top, and from which position they elevate the desk when the top is drawn out, the said desk being guided in its vertical movement by side guides working in grooves and forming stops to limit both the ascent and descent of the desk, as will be described.

In the aecompan yin g drawings, Figure 1 represents a view in perspective of a table-desk closed. Fig. 2 represents a similar view with 'the desk elevated. Fig. 3 represents a vertical section, as in Fig. 1; and Fig. 4 a cross-section, as in Fig. 2.

The casingAfor the desk may be closed entirely or supported by legs. The upper front portion is provided with nests of drawers, B, and back of these the case is fitted with a desk, C, arranged to move vertically upon guides D within grooves E, made by strips F on the inner endsof the ease. On each side of the guide-strips F there are secured to the case, on the inside of each end, rubber tapes7 bands, or cords, G, which are then secured to the ends of the desk, and support and hold it up when elevated. I may pass the straps G over horizontal rods J, near the top ofthe case, parallel with the ends of the desk C to support the desk upon. In depressing the desk, the rubber bands or cords G expand, and thus are given them the necessary force by which to raise the desk when the top is drawn out, as shown in Fig. 4. The limit of the elevation of the desk is governed by the contact of upper ends a a, of the guide-tongues D against the under sides of the fixed top H of the case proper, as shown in Fig. 4, and the descent of the desk is governed by the lower ends b b ot' the tongues D striking the bottom of the case, as shown in Fig. 3. The desk-top I is a little greater in width and length to the desk-case, and is fitted to move in grooves c in the ends of the case. It is prevented from sliding off entirely by stops, and its front edge d forms a stop to limit its sliding-on movement, being provided for that purpose with a ledge, which rests against the front of the case. rlhe desk C, of course, must be depressed slightly below the top of the case to allow the top I to cover it, and when in this position holds the desk down, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, and is used for a drawing-table.

When the desk is required for use the top I is drawn out frontward, and as soon as it is free from the top ofthe desk the latter'instantly rises automatically by the contraction ot' the rubber bands and assumes a position for use as such, while the table I is supported in front otA it with its entire area for use in writing, and with freedom for the knees beneath it, forming a strong, durable desk-top, much more desirable for use than narrow leaves, such as have been used with central elevating desks. The lower front portion of the desk may also be provided with doors to keep papers, books, Sac.

rlhe desk may be of any suitable construed tion for papers, books, &c., and the guide tongues D keep it steady in its vertical moveA ment within the case.

Having described my invention, I elaim- In a table-desk, the combination and are rangement of the rubber straps or cords G and the interior desk O with the sliding table top I, closing over upon the case to hold the interior desk, as shown and described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing specication I have hereunto set my hand this 22d day of November, 1872.

JOHN A. IVILKENS.

lVitn esses FRED. WERBE, F. M. McDoNALn. 

